If you consider yourself a decent home bartender or at least somebody with a knack for entertaining, you likely need a beverage cooler. This specialized fridge is built especially for all of your favorite drinks, from the best Cold IPAs and amber ales to Sauvignon Blanc and even your favorite lesser-known liqueurs.
This is the beer fridge of fridges, tailor-made for all the best liquids. It's not overly huge, meaning it can be tucked away in a basement garage, or beneath a bar top. And it'll deliver all of your favorite sippers at the perfect temperature, or, in the case of certain wines, allow them to age beautifully as though they were in some lovely European wine cellar.
Whether you need one to cool off or are looking for a business investment that can provide big returns, you can't go wrong with a premium beverage cooler. So fret not, as we’ve already done the research. Here’s our roundup of the best beverage coolers for storing your favorite drinks. (And said drinks include all of your favorite NA sippers too, naturally.)
Best beverage cooler overall
Euhomy 110-Can Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
Suppose you're looking for a beverage cooler with a large capacity that is still affordable. This one from Euhomy is a top choice for many. It's quiet, has an auto-defrost function to prevent ice build-up around the motor, and the temperature control is easy to use. The glass door is triple-paned, sturdy, and part of Euhomy's heat insulation technology that keeps heat out. Its LED-lit interior has a capacity of 3.2 cubic feet, giving you enough space for 110 cans or several wine bottles. At just over 33 inches tall, it's the standard height for an under-the-counter unit. It also has a reversible door to accommodate any space.
This unit looks very similar to many other beverage coolers out there. In fact, most of its other features are seen in some of the best coolers, but we prefer some of the design elements of the Euhomy. The removable shelves are stainless steel, while many others have plastic-coated shelves. We also like the appearance of the brushed gun-metal steel doorframe. Even better? The price point is better than many of its competitors.
"Amazon #1 Best Seller" beverage cooler
Homelabs 120-Can Beverage Refrigerator
This simple, yet effective beverage cooler from Homelabs holds not only the "top-rated" title on Amazon, but it's also the bestseller in the etailer's beverage refrigerator category. This is likely because of its straightforward, no-frills design and its great price. Also, people recognize the Homelabs name from its extensive line of home appliances and gadgets. The black and stainless steel finish works with any decor, while a reversible-hinged glass door allows it to adapt to any layout.
Best beverage cooler for wine
Aaobosi 28-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler
If you're going to spend money on a beverage cooler dedicated to your wine collection, you want one that reflects your sense of elegance and taste. This 28-bottle wine fridge from Aaobosi will do just that. It's both beautiful and functional, with pull-out wooden shelves that give it a "stylish wine cellar vibe." The dual-zone storage system allows you to store your chilled whites, champagnes, and ports up top at a colder temp (41 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit). The lower chamber holds your reds, sweet wines, and brandy, and is a bit warmer (54 to 68 degrees).
A nice feature of this wine chiller is the temperature memory function. After a power outage, you don't have to remember to reset the temperature settings, as they automatically return to the previous setting. Plus, if you're a true wine connoiseur and worried that this beverage cooler's motor vibrations will affect the wine's natural maturation rate, you can rest easy. The motor is tranquil, operating at around 42 decibels (that's not much louder than a quiet library).
Best compact beverage cooler
Costway 60-Can Beverage Cooler
Perhaps you require a more compact beverage cooling option for a countertop or maybe a decked-out glamping outing. This Costway model will cool 60 cans at the right price. It also has a pretty powerful motor, enabling it to offer a wider cooling range (39 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit) than most coolers its size. There are no push-button controls or fancy digital displays, just a turn-dial thermostat. But, for a wallet-friendly cooler, it does the job and is an excellent choice for tight spaces.
Best under-counter beverage cooler
Kalamera 154-Can Beverage Cooler
With free-standing beverage coolers, you can't build them into your cabinetry because they need space for the motor to breathe. Otherwise, it will burn out. This Kalamera unit, however, can be built-in thanks to clever, front-facing ventilation. The best part, though, is that built-ins tend to be slightly larger, allowing them to hold a few more cans. This premium model features a generous 154-can capacity, although it is a bit pricier than most other options on this list.
The Kalamera beverage cooler comes with all the fancy bells and whistles of other high-end brands. This is a great model for building a new kitchen or remodeling your old one to fit a beverage cooler. It has a cooling range of 38 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and with sleek blue LED lighting, looks great doing it.
Coldest beverage cooler
Danby 117-Can Beverage Center
Not only does this Danby 117-Can Beverage Center get cold, but it also looks cool, too, thanks to its bright-blue LED lighting. Most beverage coolers dial down to 37 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit at the lowest. But this Danby can be programmed to 35.6, which is as close to freezing as you'll get in a beverage center without, ya know, actually freezing your beverages solid. Also, if you need a cooler that matches the black-lit, underground-rave theme of your garage, dorm room, or mom's basement (no judgment), this one is perfect.
Best dual-zone beverage cooler
Kalamera 24-Inch Dual-Zone Beverage and Wine Cooler
Is it "beer then wine, feeling fine" or "wine then beer, have no fear"? Either way, the Kalamera Dual-Zone Beverage and Wine cooler has you covered. Take all the same great features of the Kalamera wine fridge mentioned above, and combine it with an equally wonderful beverage cooler. One side keeps your wine between 41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, the other holds your beer (or soda, seltzer, or Zima — again, no judgment) between 35 and 50 degrees. This cooler is attractive, too, with the same great design elements.
This particular model provides some versatility, as it can be used as either a built-in or free-standing unit. For a beverage cooler, a grand can be quite an investment. But, if you want the finer things in life, sometimes you have to dish out a little more dough.
Best beverage cooler for small spaces
Antarctic Star Mini Beverage Cabinet
This mini beverage cooler from Antarctic Star gives you a sleek and stylish chilling center for your drinks at an excellent price. Although the capacity isn't quite as much as the Costway model, its width of only 17.7 inches will let you tuck this compact unit away in a corner of your kitchen. And it looks so nice you may even want to make it a focal point.
Best beverage cooler for beginner wine collectors
Kuppet 19-Bottle Wine Cooler
This cooler from Kuppet is designed strictly for wine. Like the Antarctic cooler above, it's compact and super stylish. It's the perfect cooler for the beginner wine collector. It's also quiet, at under 35 decibels, so it won't interrupt you and your friends from discussing the complex flavor profile of your 2015 Pinot Noir while smashing the latest Call of Duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the best beverage cooler depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider before making a purchase.
Size and capacity
How many drinks do you typically want to store? Coolers come in various sizes, from countertop models holding just a few cans to large freestanding units accommodating hundreds of beverages. Consider your usual consumption and entertaining habits.
What types of drinks will you store? Bulkier bottles like wine or champagne require more space than cans or smaller bottles. If you plan to store a variety, choose a cooler with adjustable shelves or compartments.
Features
Temperature control: Do you need a single temperature for all drinks, or do you want to store different beverages at their ideal temperatures? Consider coolers with single, dual, or even triple zones for optimal chilling.
Shelving: Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage of different sized containers. Roll-out shelves enhance accessibility, especially in larger coolers.
Door style: Choose between glass doors for easy visibility, stainless steel for a sleek look, or tinted glass for a more modern aesthetic.
Additional features: Look for extras like LED lighting, door locks, noise level, and energy efficiency ratings.
The best temperature for your beverage cooler pretty much boils down to what you're cooling and your own personal preference. As we mentioned in the intro, wine and some beers should be cooled at a higher temperature (41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit). Dryer red wines like cabernet sauvignons, merlots, and malbecs keep best between 60 and 65 degrees. While richer, fruitier reds like pinot noirs can be stored a bit cooler between 55 and 60 degrees. Most white wines are chilled even further between 45 and 50 degrees. While sparkling whites and Champagne are usually held at around 45 degrees.
There are ideal temps for different styles of beer as well. Stouts and porters are suggested to be served between 50 and 55 degrees. Ales are best a bit colder, between 45 and 50 degrees, and lagers the coldest at 40 and 45 degrees. And we all know the best cheap beer is best served as close to freezing as possible. The same goes for a nice root beer or cream soda. However, these are all just suggestions. If you have a sensitivity to super-cold drinks, set your beverage center to whatever temperature you'd like. After all, it is your beverage cooler.
